CAPT D. Wilson Marks

Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (NSMWDC)

18 May 2023 Captain Marks, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in History and earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs in Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and a Master of Science in National Strategic Studies from the National War College. 

At sea, he served as Strike Warfare Officer aboard USS Deyo (DD 989), Assistant Operations Officer aboard USS Anzio (CG 68), Operations Officer aboard USS Barry (DDG 52), Operations Officer aboard USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and forward deployed to Japan as Executive Officer of USS Mustin (DDG 89).

Ashore, he served as a Placement Officer and Assistant Captain Detailer at Naval Personnel Command, Executive Assistant to the commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic, the Deputy for Combat System and Warfighting Integration at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and as the Executive Assistant to the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Captain Marks commanded USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) formerly named USS Chancellorsville, Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, and Naval Surface Group Western Pacific. 

While in command of USS Robert Smalls, his Sailors earned the Spokane Trophy as the most combat ready ship in the Pacific Fleet.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (five awards).

Captain Marks assumed the role of Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center in May 2023.